NEWPORT will rest a number of key players for tomorrow's final Celtic League encounter with Scotland's newest district side, The Borders.

NEWPORT will rest a number of key players for tomorrow's final Celtic League encounter with Scotland's newest district side, The Borders.

Simon Raiwalui, Mike Voyle, Jason Forster, Chris Anthony, Rod Snow, Ofisa Tonu'u and Shane Howarth are all missing from a starting line-up which is much changed from the one which succumbed to Toulouse last weekend.

But this is not altogether surprising given Newport's woeful start to the season and the fact that this is a dead duck of a game in Pool B, with neither side capable of progressing to the quarter-finals.

"There are plenty of good youngsters pushing for consideration in the top team at Newport, so this game will give them a chance to shine. The Borders are starting to develop into a useful outfit, so it is going to be another big test for us," said coach Leigh Jones yesterday.

And his assistant, Richard Hill, said, "I am very much looking forward to seeing these youngsters have an opportunity. Normally we would have liked to have used more of a squad system, but that has not been possible because of the results.

"And the team for next Tuesday against Caerphilly has not been decided. If players perform well this weekend then they will have a great chance of playing.".

Matt Pini reverts to full-back and will captain the side, while Hal Luscombe returns to the centre after missing recent games with an achilles problem and Alex Cadwallader returns on the right wing.

Adrian Garvey also returns to the front row after recovering from a neck strain. Matthew Veater and Joe Powell will pack down in the second row, while Rhys Jones will make his competitive debut at No 8.

Meanwhile, chief executive Keith Grainger has stressed that he still expects South African Percy Montgomery to arrive next week.

"I am not sure which day exactly, but I am not aware of any hitches. Perhaps he might even be available for the Swansea game on November 2," he said.